NBA star Mikal Bridges reveals inspiration behind his three-point celebration, credits Padres star

NBA star Mikal Bridges credited the San Diego Padres organization for his trademark celebration. The small forward recently made the shift to the Eastern Conference but has brought the famous finger-pointing celebration along with him from the West Coast.

Fans usually go crazy when Bridges makes a big shot and turns to the opposing bench with his hand reached out. Bridges has finally provided some insight into the popular celebration that he uses after drilling an important three-pointer.

"I got it actually from the Padres," said Bridges

Bridges was speaking at a postgame press conference after making his debut for the Brooklyn Nets. Brooklyn went on to lose the game 101-98 versus the Philadelphia 76ers but Bridges had a big night with 23 points and six rebounds.

"Brooklyn Nets forward Mikal Bridges says he got his three point celebration from watching the Padres last season"

Mikal Bridges is a huge baseball fan. San Diego is only about a five-hour drive from Phoenix, where Bridges spent the last six seasons.

The point-and-head-turn move was made popular by the San Diego Padres. After hitting a double or triple, the hitter would turn to the dugout and acknowldge his teammates with the point. It seems to have stuck with Bridges, who now uses it regularly.

Mikal Bridges credits the San Diego Padres and Manny Machado for his trademark 3-point celebration

Manny Machado celebrates his solo home run against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park

Mikal Bridges was born in Pennsylvania and therefore grew up a Philadelphia Phillies fan.

Living in the Southwest means he must have watched a lot of California baseball. Bridges named Manny Machado as one of the players he enjoys watching the most.

"I'm a big fan of Manny Machado," said Bridges

The 3-point celebration is making Bridges an instant fan favorite with the Brooklyn Nets. The move might aggravate opposing players, but Nets fans already love it.

"Mikal Bridges turning up in his Nets debut" - Bleacher Report

With the recent departures of All-Stars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, the Nets fanbase is desperately in need of a hero. Mikal Bridges might be the man to fill that role in Brooklyn.